The 4750 Willow Road property, seen here in an architectural rendering, will be the second
Charter Properties project in Hacienda.

By Jay Hipps
Network Editor

One of the last remaining lots in Hacienda will be the site of a new, 50,297 square foot office building to be built by Charter Properties.

The two-story building, bordered on the north by the Alameda Newspaper Group's Tri-Valley Herald building and on the south by the 1st United Services Credit Union headquarters, has a number of unique design features that both offer visual interest and minimize environmental impact.

No tenants have been signed for the 4750 Willow Road property, although the project is already generating interest.

A Groundbreaking Event
City approval of the project came just two weeks ago and construction drawings are now being prepared.

According to James Tong, president of Charter Properties, the project may break ground this fall.

"If the weather holds up we might be able to put the foundation in this year, but if it doesn't it will be next year that we break ground," he said.

In either case, occupancy of the new facility will take place around September, 2001.

A Green Building
The building's designers, Hoover Associates Architects, reports that the project has a number of environmentally harmonious elements.

Over 20 bicycle parking spaces will be provided, along with showers and changing facilities for cyclists, as a means of encouraging alternative commute methods. Its location less than two blocks from BART will also be a boon to commuters. The building will also feature two recharging stations for electric vehicles.

A Second Project for Charter
This marks the second project in Hacienda for Charter Properties. The developer is also in the process of buidling at 4690 Chabot Drive, next to the U.S. Post Office.

"The steel went up last week and we're expecting occupancy in December," says Tong.

Charter is also involved in Dublin Ranch, a project which will feature over 800 upscale homes and a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The company also owns 450 Main Street and the Acosta Building in Pleasanton.

Developer Optimistic
With the real estate market as strong as it is, Tong is optimistic about both projects.

"The park is nearly fully developed and I got the last two pieces of vacant ground," he notes. "The economic market is good, the leasing market is good, and I like the location. I think it's going to be a sound investment."